This devotional writing of mine was posted today on the Rest Ministries website and also sent out via their subscription option. Here it is for those of you who have stopped by to visit my blog!
“We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. As has just been said: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion'”(Hebrews 3:14-15).
This exhortation comes from a context in Scripture when Moses had led the Israelites out of their captivity in Egypt. They were free and on a journey toward the promised land. Yet they came to be quarreling and questioning the Lord’s ways, longing to be back in Egypt.
I am in a ripe environment for my heart to become hardened as I long for an earthly freedom from my pain. I can feel like I am “in Egypt” and awaiting deliverance.
Unlike those who Moses led, who were looking back to what they felt were better times in Egypt, I stumble looking back on better days before my challenges erupted. I want to be tasting new fruit in a better land. I want release.
I want. I want. I want.
I say I want God’s will for my life but when suffering is what I feel 24/7, I want out. I still want Him; I just want his will to be a miraculous healing so I can be out of the pain and the limitations that accompany it.
I do not believe that God authors my sufferings. I do believe that, as my Creator who has my life plans intact, He understands these longings I experience. As He dwells within me, I am not abandoned as He is in this exile with me.
For my heart to be protected from growing hardened, I need to get used to hearing his heart beat within mine -- His voice of encouragement that I can come to recognize when I learn to listen for it.
His heart is tender towards me. When we dwell in softness together, He can turn my exiled hardening thoughts toward his thoughts that bring comfort in spite of the suffering.
He becomes a shelter from the clamor that has me wanting to “get out of Egypt”. When I relax with Him, I begin to see blessings in the here and now.
Prayer
Lord, I receive You and the grace that only You can give as I wrestle with longings to be elsewhere. You are with me here, not “there”. Soften my heart to rejoice that there is no exile when You are with me. Amen.
If we each are to keep our hearts guarded, so that they do not become hardened, it is important to recognize that God is wooing us to hear his voice.
Here in song, are some insights as we commit ourselves to listen,
to wait, and to let Him guide us.
Twila Paris
Photo by Lynn
Molly Ward Gardens
Poulsbo, Washington
Well-spoken, Lynn. Praying these words minister to many who feel trapped in our wanting more now. He is with us here, not there--yes.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love that picture too. So beautiful.
Thank you, Lisa! I appreciate your encouraging words.
DeleteI took the photo three years ago. In fact, it was one of the first photos I took with my digital camera hoping it would turn out okay and it did. It has become one of my favorites.
The setting is near where my cousins live, a ferry boat ride away and out in the country. It is as peaceful as place as the photo image indicates.
Oh, how I relate, Lynn. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteI love these words: "You are with me here, not “there”. Soften my heart to rejoice that there is no exile when You are with me." Yes, He is here with me, with you, with us. We are not in exile. We are in His arms.
Hugs to you, my friend.
Daphne
And hugs back to you, Daphne! I am elated to have you stop by my blog.
DeleteI am grateful that you found encouragement in this message. I need to return to it often to keep me in the perspective of HIs arms!
Love,
Lynn